Understanding Body-Identical HRT: A Personalised Approach to Hormone Replacement Therapy

When it comes to managing perimenopause and menopause, hormone therapy

options—HRT, body-identical HRT, synthetic hormones—can feel overwhelming. You might

see the terms bioidentical (more common in the US for compounded prescriptions) and

body-identical (used in the UK for regulated NHS options). Whichever term you use, both

refer to hormones that are molecularly identical to what your body produces.

This article will help you cut through the jargon. I'll explain how body-identical and

synthetic HRT compare, what compounded HRT means, and whether a personalised

approach could work best for you.

What Is Body-Identical HRT?

Body-identical HRT uses hormones that are structurally identical to those your body

produces naturally. These hormones are derived from plant sources, often from a

compound called diosgenin found in Mexican yams. Although they are created in a lab —

like synthetic hormones — the key difference is that their molecular structure is an exact

match to human hormones.

These hormones can be delivered in two main ways:

Regulated, licensed products — such as Estrogel (estradiol gel), Utrogestan (micronised

progesterone), and licensed testosterone gel — available via the NHS or privately. These are

manufactured to consistent doses and regulated by the MHRA, ensuring quality and safety.

Customised compounded formulations — made to order by a specialist pharmacy using

the same body-identical hormones. These can be delivered as creams, lozenges, or capsules, with precise doses tailored to your individual needs. Compounded HRT allows for greater flexibility, especially if standard products haven’t worked for you or if you require a specific combination of hormones in one product.

Body-Identical vs Synthetic HRT: What’s the Difference?

Synthetic HRT, which includes some older or traditional medications, uses hormones that

are similar to — but not identical — to your body’s own. These may be derived from animal

hormones or chemically modified versions. Because their structure differs slightly, they can

behave differently in the body and sometimes produce unwanted side effects (Stuenkel et

al., 2015).

Body-identical HRT uses hormones that are molecularly the same as human hormones.

These can be prescribed as:

- Licensed products

- Compounded formulations

Compounded HRT cannot be licensed in the UK because it is prepared individually to match

a patient’s prescription. However, it is safe when prescribed by a qualified clinician and

dispensed by a reputable pharmacy.

At The Parkwood Clinic, we often start with licensed products prescribed separately to

assess how your body responds. Once we’ve found your optimal balance, we can explore the

option of compounded HRT for convenience and ease of use.

Benefits of Body-Identical HRT

- Relief from hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disruption (NICE, 2024)

- Supports bone health and reduces fracture risk (Stuenkel et al., 2015)

- May improve cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health (Scarabin et al., 2003)

- Supports cognitive function and mood regulation (Davis et al., 2019)

- Can improve vaginal dryness, urinary urgency, and hair/skin quality

What Does the Process Look Like?

At The Parkwood Clinic, we start with a comprehensive consultation. This includes:

- Taking a full medical history and discussing your symptoms in detail

- Blood testing to check hormone levels

- Creating a tailored treatment plan based on your consultation and lifestyle

- Ongoing reviews to adjust your dose as needed

In some cases, we may explore whether your GP can prescribe HRT via the NHS. I can still

support and monitor your progress even if you get your medication through your GP. This

approach gives you flexibility while ensuring personalised care.

Is Body-Identical HRT Safe?

Yes — when prescribed and monitored by a qualified clinician. Like all forms of HRT, Body-

identical comes with potential risks and benefits that vary depending on your health

history. That’s why it’s so important to avoid buying hormones online or self-prescribing.

As a registered nurse prescriber with experience in both women’s health and aesthetics, I

ensure every patient receives safe, evidence-based care tailored to their individual needs.

Final Thoughts

Body-identical HRT isn’t a miracle fix, and it’s not right for everyone. But for many women,

it offers life-changing relief from symptoms that were affecting their energy, mood, sleep,

relationships, and sense of self.

If you feel like something’s just not right, or you’ve been told to “wait it out,” trust your

instincts. You deserve to feel well.

Curious whether HRT might suit you? Let’s chat it through in a free discovery call — no

pressure, just clarity.

Further Reading and References

- NICE. (2024). Menopause: diagnosis and management.

https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng23

- British Menopause Society. (2024). Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Position Statement.

https://thebms.org.uk

- Dr Louise Newson. (2025). Understanding Body-Identical Hormones.

https://www.drlouisenewson.co.uk

- The Guardian. (2024). What you need to know about HRT. https://www.theguardian.com

- Stuenkel CA, et al. (2015). Treatment of Symptoms of the Menopause: An Endocrine

Society Clinical Practice Guideline. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2015-2236

- Scarabin PY, et al. (2003). Oral and transdermal estrogen therapy and VTE risk.

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(03)13013-2

- Davis SR, et al. (2019). Global consensus on testosterone therapy for women.

https://doi.org/10.1080/13697137.2019.1637074